"It's been amazing," said Master Cpl. Mark Hoffman, who coordinates the fundraiser for the department. "And everyone who's been calling said they saw the story and wanted to help."

Many told the officer that around this time of year, they want their donations to stay local and help people in their own community. These donations will do just that.

The program adopts families and children who have been nominated by Capital School District teachers, counselors and staff as deserving and in need during the holiday season.

Officers take children and their families shopping at Target each year as part of the Holiday Heroes program. This photo was taken in 2015.(Photo: Courtesy of the Dover Police Department)

This year, the department received especially tragic stories, including a family of seven that lost its mother in a car crash earlier this year.

Before the donations, Hoffman said, the department would likely be able to help only about 22 kids rather than the 40 to 60 children it typically sponsors.

"We are happy to help the Dover Police Department in their effort to make the holidays a little brighter for these families," News Journal Executive Editor Mike Feeley said.

The Dover Police Department will take children and families in the Dover area shopping next week. Any extra dollars will go toward supporting local children in various ways throughout the coming year, Hoffman said.

Those looking to contribute to The Needy Family Fund, which is distributed to organizations helping those in need and some families lacking direct support, can donate online at needyfamily.org or mail donations to: The Needy Family Fund
c/o The News Journal, 950 W. Basin Road, New Castle, DE 19720.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

Make a cash donation to the Dover Police Department at 400 S. Queen St.

Purchase a Target gift card and either email it to Mark Hoffman at mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us or drop it off at the Police Department.